7 Steps To A Successful Cold Outreach Email Sequence

Cold outreach can be an effective way to connect and market to your potential customers, partners or influencers. However, it is important to find the right balance between personality and avoiding a pushy sales approach. If you come off as spammy, your open rates will be terrible, and your response rates will be even worse. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential steps to help you create successful cold emails that tell a story in your authentic voice, grab your audience’s attention, and generate positive responses.

Today’s overview

Step 1: Define and segment your target audience

Before sending a single email or reaching out to anyone on social media, it’s essential to identify your target audience. Thus, understanding their needs, pain points and preferences will help you tailor your message to effectively resonate with them. Conduct in-depth research to gather insights into your industry, role and audience interests. So, ask yourself, what makes my offer a great solution to the situation they are currently facing? What would make them consider making a decision? If you’re still struggling with your target audience, grab our ICA worksheet.

Once you find the answers to these questions, you’ll find that writing your pitch is easy and capturing the attention of your ideal audience is easier than you think.

How to start?

• Track your inquiry
  • Use our free Cold Outreach email template to track your calls. It has sections for the recipient’s name, company, industry, position, and any relevant information you’ll need to treat them authentically!
• Segment your email list:
  • Make sure you’re reaching people who are currently interested in what you have to offer.
    • For example, if I’m offering a promotion on social media, I want to make sure that everyone on my email list who has shown any kind of interest in social media receives those emails.
• Use social media:
  • Hop on the social media network where you’re sure your audience hangs out and start gathering information.
    • For example, when I’m looking for clients, I’ll jump on LinkedIn and start gathering information about certain people that I know would be a good fit for my services.

resource: How to identify your core lead magnet – So, are you struggling to build your email list? The best way to get people to join is to offer them free and valuable content! By creating a fantastic lead magnet that aligns with your core offering, you’ll not only demonstrate the quality of your products and services, But you’ll also build a following that will help establish your future success!

Step 2: Create a compelling subject line

The subject line is the first thing recipients see, so it should grab their attention. Create a concise, intriguing and relevant subject line for the recipient. Personalization and incorporating the recipient’s name or company can increase open rates. A compelling subject line can significantly impact the success of your cold email.

How to start?

• Create a killer subject line
  • Use the subject line tester to see how well your subject line will get people to open the email.
    • For example, here are two subject lines and how they will appear with my audience:
      • Want to boost your SEO?
      • Jenny, do you want to be number 1 on Google?🚀
        • The second subject line doubles the function of the first!

Step 3: Personalize and tell a story in your email

Personalization and storytelling are key to making your cold email stand out. You want to connect with your recipient. So, address the recipient by name and mention specific details related to their business or recent accomplishments. This shows you’ve taken the time to do your homework and understand their needs. Theirs will make your email more relevant and increase the chance that your recipient will open it and the chance of a positive response.

How to start?

• Begin with a warm greeting using their name
• Show genuine interest in their business and work
• Tell a story in your email that relates your message to their interests and pain points

Here are some examples to get you started:

Hey [Name]I was surfing social media and came across your podcast [Topic]. As someone in [Industry], I found the information to help and was able to implement your advice immediately. It got me thinking about [product/service] which we suggest will help you achieve [pain point].

Moreover, the idea is to make the message very personal and authentic. You want your ideal customer to feel that connection and want to take the next step in conversion.

Step 4: Provide value in your story

In the opening paragraph, demonstrate the value you can offer the recipient in a way that will make your message memorable. So, think about real-life success stories you’ve had with your current customers and use them as a jumping off point to address the situation your potential customer is experiencing. Emphasize how your product, service, or expertise can solve their problems or help them achieve their goals faster. Be concise and focus on the benefits they will get from interacting with you. So the key is don’t make your email too long. Keep it short and sweet and explain how your product or service provides the solution they’re looking for.

Step 5: Value, value, value

I can’t say this enough times; You need to provide value at every turn when it comes to nurturing your prospects. I don’t try to include too much value in the first external email because I’m trying to establish a relationship first. But once we have a connection, I want to provide value every step of the way.

How to start?

• Example: If during my research, I noticed someone who is my ICA has a terrible website. I would contact them with my first email. Then, once we’ve established a connection, my emails will provide more value. So it might be a copy of my website audit booklet or my SEO audit booklet. The idea is to give them something of value that they can put into action today, see some practical results, Get excited, and want to work with you to really finish the project the right way!

Step 6: Include a clear call to action

Every cold email should have a clear and concise call to action (CTA) that guides the recipient on the next steps to take. Whether it’s scheduling a call, visiting your website, or asking for more information, make the CTA clear and easy to follow. Regardless, use action-oriented language and create a sense of urgency to encourage a quick response.

How to start?

Here are some examples of custom calls to action that use open-ended questions to get people to respond.

• I would be happy to call you to have a 15 minute discussion about it [product/service] And how can we help? [recipient business name] With [pain point]. Are you available for a conversation early next week?

Step 7: Effective follow-up

Follow-up is essential when sending cold emails. Create a polite and concise follow-up email to remind recipients about your initial message. So, remember that these follow-up emails should be short and sweet, offering value, value, value. A well-timed follow-up can significantly increase the response rate and lead to valuable opportunities.

Remember, it usually takes someone more than 10+ to see/hear you before they are ready to act!

Common questions

Here are some common questions I get asked about

1: How many follow-up emails should I send?

The number of follow-up emails you should send depends on various factors, including the urgency of your message and the recipient’s responsiveness. It is generally recommended to send a series of three to four follow-up emails a few days apart. However, pay attention to any cues from the recipient, such as interest or lack of response, to determine if further follow-up is appropriate.

2: How long should a cold email be?

Ideally, a cold email should be concise and to the point. So, aim for a length of about 150 to 200 words. Long emails can overwhelm the recipient and reduce the chances of a response. However, keep it short, emphasize the key points and make it easy for the recipient to understand the purpose of your email.

3: Should I use formal or informal tone?

The tone of your cold email depends on your target audience and industry. In most cases, a professional and friendly tone works best. Avoid using overly formal language that can create a sense of distance. Instead, aim for a conversational tone that feels accessible and engaging. Basically, adjust your tone according to the recipient’s company culture and the nature of your relationship.

4: How do I avoid sounding salesy in my emails?

To avoid sounding familiar in your cold emails, focus on providing value and building a real connection. Instead of bombarding the recipient with sales pitches, offer insights, solutions or personalized recommendations. So be empathetic, show interest in their needs and strive to create a relationship built on trust and mutual benefit.

5: What are some examples of effective cold emails?

Effective cold emails vary depending on the context and target audience. However, here are some examples:

1. Introduction, story + problem solving: Introduce yourself, address a specific pain point and offer a solution tailored to the recipient’s needs.
2. Social proof: Cite successful cases or testimonials that demonstrate the value you can provide.
3. Interconnection: If you share a mutual connection or have a common interest, use that connection to create rapport.
4. spark of curiosity: Create a subject line and opening paragraph that piques the recipient’s curiosity and makes them want to learn more.

This week’s action plan

1. Hop on over to jennielyon.com/outreach to download our FREE Crimea Relief Email Tracking Sheet
2. Hop on your favorite social media network and create a list of 10 prospects that you think would be perfect for your product/service
3. Write your cold email sequence using this content as your guide
4. Send your introductory email today
5. Follow up with your prospect daily with your nurturing sequence until you get a response or up to 10 emails (whichever comes first). Remember it takes 10+ times for a prospect to finally respond!
6. Once you’ve gotten past your first 10 leads, start the process again.

Writing successful cold emails requires careful planning and a personal approach. By following the seven steps outlined in this article, you can increase the effectiveness of your cold emails and improve your response rates.

Always remember to tell a story, provide value, be concise, and have a solid call to action. Cold emailing, when done right, can open doors and make important connections and opportunities if you stick with it!

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